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COPYRIGHTED OCTOBER 1908 BY 

THE WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS ASSOCIATION 
NEW YORK 

Founded by Daughters of the American Revolution 
Revised Edition 

COPYRIGHTED MAY 1910 



©CI,A265107 



of t()e 

5^a6l)inston Healiquarters Association 

/rlf| EMBERS of the National Society, Daughters of the American 
Ji%y\ Revolution, of New York City, consisting of representatives 
from the Washington Heights, Knickerbocker, Manhattan, and Mary 
Washington Colonial Chapters, convened, at the request of the 
Washington Heights Chapter, on February 14, 1903, at the residence 
of Mrs. Samuel J. Kramer, Regent of that Chapter, to assist in a 
movement for the purchase of Washington's Headquarters on Wash- 
ington Heights, by the municipal authorities. At this meeting an 
organization was effected and named the General Committee of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution of the Borough of Manhattan 
for the preservation and custody of Washington's Headquarters on 
Washington Heights, 

During the administration of the Hon. Seth Low, Mayor of New 
York, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, on May 29, 1903, 
gave a hearing, and agreed, by unanimous vote, to purchase the 
property; and on July 29th, the purchase was authorized. Negotia- 
tions were conducted by Hon. N. Taylor Phillips, the Deputy Comp- 
troller, and the sum paid was $235,000. The city took possession of 
the deeds in October of the same year. 

Formal acceptance of this property by the city occurred on Monday 
December 28, 1903, when, under the auspices of the Park Board, the 
tablet at the west of the front entrance to the house was placed. 
Commissioner William R. Willcox presided, and the Hon. Chauncey 
M. Depew, United States Senator from the State of New York, 
delivered the oration. The following societies were represented : 
National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution; Empire 
State Society, Sons of the American Revolution; Sons of the 

I 



Revolution; Colonial Dames of America; Colonial Dames of the State 
of New York; American Scenic and Historic Society; Auxiliary to 
the American Scenic and Historic Society; New York Historical 
Society; and the Washing-ton Continental Guard. 

In 1904, by Legislative enactment, the Park Commissioner, Hon. 
John J. Pallas, was enabled to accord the custody of this house, 
known as the Jumel Mansion, to the General Committee of the Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution. This Committee resolved itself into 
an Association, and became incorporated March 17, 1904, under the 
name of the Washington Headquarters Association, New York. 
Founded by Daughters of the American Revolution, with Mrs. Sam- 
uel J. Kramer, the organizer of the movement, as its first president. 

The first public celebration of Washington's birthday, by the city 
of New York, was held here, February 22, 1905, by the Park Depart- 
ment, under the auspices of the Washington Headquarters Associa- 
tion, which was the first organization of women so honored. 

The opening of the house as a public museum occurred on 
May 28, 1907, under the administration of the Hon. George B. 
McClellan, Mayor, and Hon. Moses Herrman, Park Commissioner. 




? Q 



h 



WmlfmQtm*^ fleaDquatters 

Z\)c flDorri0 periob 

1765—1775 

^ir^HIS beautiful old Colonial and most historic Mansion in the city 
^^ of New York, built by Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Morris, 
Loyalist, for his wife, Mary Philipse, about 1765, stands near the orig- 
inal site of an old farm house known as the Jan Kiersen house, which 
had been standing more than fifty years, and is believed to have been 
the first dwelling erected on Harlem Heights. Kierson took posses- 
sion of this property July 2, 1694 ; but it was not until March 7, 1696, 
that a deed with the consent of the freeholders, was granted him, 
with permission "to take a half-morgen of land from the Common 
woods, on which to have a house, barn and garden." 

* On January 29, 1763, according to deed of conveyance, the heirs 
of Jan Kiersen sold this commanding site to James Carroll, who, in 
turn, after advertising it weekly, from May 9th to June 13th, 1765, ** 
sold the property to Lieut.-Col. Roger Morris; and soon thereafter was 
begun the erection of this stately mansion. The date of completion 
is said to have been carved on the key-stone of an arch in the main 
hall ; but it is not now visible. Morris was the third son, born 
January 28, 1727, of Roger Morris, of Netherby, in the North Riding 
of Yorkshire, England, by his first wife, the fourth daughter of Sir 
Peter Jackson, Knight. 

• The only early deeds on record in the Register's office showing James Carrolls' ownership of 
lands in New York City, is this Harlem plot, where now stands Washington's Headquarters, snd 
another plot on Nassau Street. 

*■* THE NEW YORK GAZETTE or WEEBH^Y POST-BOY. 
Thursday May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, 1765; publishes this advertisement : 
To BE Sold 
A pleasant situated farm on the Road leading to King's Bridge, in the Township of Harlem of York 
Island, containing about 100 acres : about 30 acres of which is Wood land, a fine piece of Meadow 
Ground, and more may easily be made : and commands the finest Prospect in the whole country ; the 
I^and runs from River to River ; there is Fishing, Oystering and Claming at either end. There i» a 
good House, a fine Barn, 44 feet long and 42 feet wide, or thereabouts ; an Orchard of good Fruit, 
with plenty of Quince Trees that bear extraordinarily well ; three good gardens the Produce of which 
are sent to the York Markets daily, as it suits. An indisputable Title to be given to the Purchaser. 
Inquire of James Carroll, living on the Premises, who will agree on reasonable Terms. 

Ill 



Having obtained a Commission in the British Army, Morris was 
ordered to the American Colonies, where, for his conspicuous services, 
be soon rose in rank, and was appointed to the Staff of General Brad- 
dock. He was a personal friend of Washington, and during the 
French and Indian War they fought side by side, and remained friends 
and associates until the struggle for American Independence caused 
them to declare against each other. 

The wedding of (then) Major Roger Morris and Mary Philipse — one 
of the beautiful daughters of Frederick Philipse, Lord of Philipsburg 
Manor — took place at the Philipse Manor-house in the early part of 
1758. Some years later this brilliant young couple took up their 
residence in this house, and occupied it for seventeen years as their 
summer home, entertaining with great Colonial dignity and style, side 
by side with the De Peysters, De Lanceys, Bayards, Van Courtlandts, 
Livingstons and other families of distinction. They also numbered 
among their distinguished visitors, Major-General Moniton, Sir Henry 
Moore, the Earl of Dunmore, Sir William Tryon and Dr. Benjamin 
Franklin, then Postmaster-General of the Colonies. 

With the breaking out of the Revolution the social reign of the 
Morrises came to an end; and Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, whose 
sympathies were distinctly with the Mother Country, being a member 
of the King's Council, as well as a retired officer of the English Army 
at this time, was forced to flee with his wife and four children as 
early as May, 1775. Subsequently they embarked for England. 

This house is filled in with brick imported from Holland by the 
Morris family for the purpose. Importations of brick from Holland 
were of common occurrence in those early days. 



IV 



5^asiI)ington Sertoli 

^tpttmhtty 1776— i^obemfier, 1776 

/^FTER the disastrous battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776, the 
'^ American Army under General Putnam retreated during the night 
of August 29th, to New York. Here they remained some days in a dis- 
heartened condition, having suffered great losses; and it was not until 
about the 9th of September, that the terrible suspense due to igno- 
rance as to the movements of the British Army, about which Washing- 
ton wrote on the 6th, was relieved. Soon after that date General Sir 
William Howe landed the British troops upon New York, and on the 
1 2th, General Putnam, finding the city no longer tenable, retreated 
northward as far as Robert Murray's House on Murray Hill, what is 
now Park Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets, where Washing- 
ton spent the night of Sept. 14th. On the 15th, Washington halted 
at Mott's Tavern, which stood near the intersection of 143d street 
and Eighth Avenue, and on the following day, the i6th of September, 
1776, he was in possession of the house of Roger Morris and occupied 
it as his Military Headquarters for a period of about five weeks. 

No more authentic authority on the movements of the armies at 
this time can be discovered than is set forth in a letter written by 
General George Clinton,' dated King's Bridge, September 18, 1776, 

V 



(which was Wednesday), now among the archives of the War De- 
partment in Washington, D. C, This letter says — "About the middle ' 
of last week it was determined for many reasons to evacuate the city 
of New York, and accordingly, orders were given for removing the 
ordnance, military and other stores from thence, which by Sunday' 
morning was nearly effected. On Saturday four of the large ships 
had passed by the city up the North River and anchored near Gren- 
age,* and about as many up the East River, which anchored in 
Turtle Bay,^ and from the movements of the enemy on Long Island, 
and the small Islands in the East River, we had great reasons to 
apprehend they intended to make a landing and attack our lines 
somewhere near the city. Our army for some days had been moving 
up towards this way, and encamping on the Heights, south-west of 
Colonel Morris' where we intended to form lines, and make our grand 
stand. On Sunday ° morning the enemy landed a very considerable 
body of troops, principally consisting of their light Infantry and 
Grenadiers near Turtle Bay, under cover of a very heavy cannonade 
from their shipping. Our lines were but thinly manned, as they 
were then intended only to secure a retreat to the rear of our army, 
and unfortunately by such troops as were so little disposed to stand 
in the way of grape shot, that the main body of them almost instantly 
retreated, nay, fled without a possibility of rallying, though General 
Washington himself, who rid to the spot on hearing the cannonade 
with some other General officers exerted themselves to effect it. 
The enemy on landing, immediately formed a line across the Island.' 
Most of our people were luckily north of it and joined the army. 
The few that were in the city crossed the river, chiefly to Paulus 
Hook,* so that our loss in men, artillery, or stores, is very inconsid- 
erable. I don't believe it exceeds one hundred men, and I fancy 
most of them from their conduct staid out of choice. Before evening 
the enemy landed the main body of their army, took possession of 
the city, and marched up the Island and encamped on the Heights 

1 General George Clinton, Governor of New York, and later Vice-President of 

the United States. 

2 About the middle of last week was Sept. nth or 12th. 

3 Sunday morning, American Army on Heights Sept. 15th. 

4 Grenage — Greenwich Village. 

5 Turtle Bay — opposite then Incleburg — now East 44th street. 
f> Sunday morning, English landed Sept. 15th. 

7 Across the Island, about 44th street. 

8 Paulus Hook— now Jersey City. 

VI 



[ \ 




East side and rear of Mansion, showing Colonial Railings and also Rose Garden. 



extending from McGown's and the Black Horse to the North River. 
On Monday about ten o'clock a party of the enemy, consisting of 
Highlanders, Hessians, the Light Infantry, Grenadiers and English 
troops (number uncertain) attacked our advancing party commanded 
by Colonel Knovvlton at Martje Davits Fly. They were opposed 
with spirit and made to retreat to a clear field south-west of that, 
where they lodged themselves behind a fence covered with bushes. 
Our people attacked them in front and caused them to retreat a 
second time, leaving five dead on the spot. We pursued them to a 
buckwheat field, on the top of a hill, distance of about four hundred 

paces We lost on this occasion Colonel Knowlton, a 

brave officer, and sixteen privates killed. Major Leitch, of Vir- 
ginia, and about eight or ten subaltern officers and privates wound- 
ed. . . . The loss of the enemy uncertain . . . violent 
presumption one hundred. The action lasted the whole of four 
hours. I consider our success in this small affair, at this time, almost 
equal to a victory. It has animated our troop, gave them new 
spirits, and erased every bad impression the retreat from Long Island, 
&c., had left on their minds. They find they are able now, with inferior 
numbers, to drive their enemy, and think of nothing now but 
conquest. .... We are daily throwing up works to prevent 
the enemy's advancing. . . . Great attention is paid to Fort 
Washington, the posts opposite to it on the Jersey shore, and the 
obstructions in the river .... it is of the utmost consequence 
to keep the enemy below us." 

A letter from General Nathaniel Greene to Governor Cooke of 
Rhode Island, written the day after the Battle of Harlem Heights, 
describes this battle, though not of long duration, as gallantly and 
successfully fought. 

Among the officers on General Washington's staff at the time he 
occupied this house were: 

Aidb3-de-Camp 
Col. William Grayson, of Virginia 

Alexander Contee Hanson, also Ass't Sec'y, of Maryland 
Lt.-Col. Richard Gary, of Virgijiia 
Lt.-Col. Samuel B. Webb, of Connecticut 
Lt. Tench Tilghman, of Pennsylvania 

Secretary 
Lt.-Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, of Virginia 

VII 



Adjutant-Gknkral 
Col. Joseph Reed, of Connecticut 

Quarter-master-Generai, 
Col. Stephen Moylan, of Pennsylvania 

Paymaster-Generai, 
Col. William Palfrey, of Massachusetts 

Commissary-General 
Col. Joseph Trumbull, of Connecticut 

Director of Generai< Hospitai, 
Dr. John Morgan, of Pennsylvania 

Chief Engineer 
Col. Rufus Putnam, of Massachusetts 

Muster-master-Generai. 
Col. Gunning Bedford, of Pennsylvania 

The stables and huts of the Headquarters, guards and orderlies, 
were north and west of the house near the line of 165th Street. The 
approach to the house, at that time, was by an avenue leading from 
the west side of the house to the Albany road, now St. Nicholas 
Avenue. The house lot was separated from the road by a high 
colonial fence. Two small octagonal gate-houses, white with green 
blinds, flanked the entrance. Between these gate-houses the fence 
bowed inward to the gate. 

During the Summer of 1776, earthworks had been partially con- 
structed from the Morris House west to the Hudson River, with a 
battery on the hill above the house where Mr. Audubon, the orni- 
thologist, since lived. 

The enemy was following Washington so closely on the day of his 
arrival at the Morris House, that he rode south as far as a redoubt 
built on the site of the present Convent of the Sacred Heart, to direct 
the battle of Harlem Heights, where Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton 
and Major Leitch sacrificed their lives in repulsing the attack. This 
battle, though not a great one, was a sharp and decisive victory for the 
Americans, and was fought September i6th, 1776. Colonel Knowl- 
ton, after being wounded, was taken to the Cross Keys Tavern, then 
situated on the Kingsbridge road at what is now 165th Street, where 
he died. This tavern was used as a hospital during the Revolutionary 
War. Washington received the news of Knowlton's mortal wounds 
in the Council Chamber of this house while preparing dispatches for 
Congress. It was Colonel Knowlton who was deputized by Washing- 

VIII 



ton to appeal to officers and men for the services of a spy to discover 
the movements of the English army on the north, as the Commander- 
in-Chief was alarmed lest a detachment of British troops, left upon 
Long Island, should cross over at a point above Kingsbridge and 
thereby hem in the American forces, both north and south, and by 
one decisive battle, crush out what remained of that part of the 
American army which had retreated to New York from Long Island. 
After much debate and long silence. Captain Nathan Hale proffered his 
services to Colonel Knowlton, and though convalescing from a long 
and serious illness, and entreated by General Hull not to venture, 
Hale said: "It is the wish of the Commander-in-Chief; the import- 
ance outweighs every other consideration, I go;" and he presented 
himself to Washington. Receiving from General Washington partic- 
ular instructions and a general order upon all the American sloops or 
galleys in the Sound to convey him across to any part upon Long 
Island which he should designate. Hale, about the middle of Septem- 
ber, accompanied by Stephen Hempstead, a confidential soldier of his 
own company, left the camp at Harlem Heights, intending to cross 
the Sound at the first opportunity; but it was not until they had 
reached Norwalk, fifty miles up the Sound on the Connecticut shore, 
that they found proper protection. Here they found two row-galleys 
and the armed sloop Huntington, commanded by Captain Pond. 
This sloop Hale quickly engaged, and two hours before daybreak 
arrived on the east side of the Harbor of Huntington, Long Island. 
He was captured some days later within the British lines, exam- 
ined and condemned by General Howe on September 2ist, at Howe's 
Headquarters, the Beekman House, 51st Street and 1st Avenue. 
Hale, upon his own confession, was hanged the following day, which 
was Sunday, September 22nd, at the corner of 45th Street and ist 
Avenue, after being subjected to aggravated cruelty by Captain Cun- 
ningham, the provost marshal. There is a tradition that Hale re- 
ceived Washington's orders in the Council Chamber of this Mansion, 
and that when he went forth, he left by the Guard Room through a 
closet (now closed and papered over) into the cellar, and thence out 
by the east side of the house, and proceeded north as directed by the 
Commander-in-Chief, so as to escape the possibility of encountering 
enemy scouts on the south. 

On the i6th of October, General Washington held a council of war 
at Gen. Lee's quarters, at which it was decided to abandon Manhattan 

IX 



Island, and the four divisions under Generals Lee, Heath, Sullivan, 
and Lincoln began a movement north. Washington, however, con- 
tinued to occupy these Headquarters a few days longer when he 
issued his last orders from this house and followed the army. 

The Morris House, however, was not yet abandoned as Patriot 
Headquarters, for Colonel Robert Magaw, who was left behind with 
2600 men to hold the Heights and defend Fort Washington, continued 
to occupy it until the i6th of November. Prior to this date, Wash- 
ington, fearing for the safety of Colonel Magaw and his men, had 
ordered General Greene to direct Magaw to evacuate the Heights 
and Fort Washington, and to remove that portion of the army, 
together with supplies, to New Jersey; but Greene, believing in 
his own judgment, failed to execute the order; hence, on the 14th of 
November, when Washington returned to Fort Lee from West Point, 
where he had been to view a site for a new fortress, he was filled 
with dismay at Greene's attitude in the matter ; for he fully realized 
it was then too late, as several British vessels had already passed up 
the Hudson river, between the forts. The next day, November 15th, 
General Howe appeared before Fort Washington with an over- 
whelming force, demanding of Colonel Magaw immediate surrender, 
but Magaw defiantly refused. On the morning of the i6th, Howe, 
finding Magaw still defiant, precipitated an attack upon Fort Wash- 
ington which was gallantly resisted by Magaw and his men until 
forced to surrender, at Howe's second demand, because of inferior- 
ity of numbers. Early in the morning of that date, Washington 
hearing of Howe's demands upon Magaw, hastened across the river 
from Fort Lee, with the purpose of aiding Magaw — Generals Put- 
nam, Greene and Mercer having preceded him. Captain Alexander 
Graydon, an eyewitness, in his account published 1822, states that 
Washington accompanied by his generals, went at once to the Morris 
House, to better acquaint himself with the positions of the two armies. 
Soon after, the British and Hessian troops, 14,000 strong, assaulted 
the Heights, and Washington and his party were nearly captured by 
the sudden appearance of the 42nd Highlanders, the celebrated 
Black Watch Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir 
Thomas Stirling, which had fought its way up the steep bank of what 
is now Speedway Park; but Washington and his party had suc- 
ceeded in reaching the landing place on the river before their escape 
was discovered. 




'West side of Mansion showing balcony used as sentry-box, and doorway through 
WHICH THE Indian Braves entered when paying homage to Washington. 



Meanwhile the enemy's advance guard of Highlanders, on gaining 
the hill in the rear of the American Headquarters, took cover 
behind the huts and stables, and began firing on the house; which 
had been vacated by the Americans only shortly before. 

Washington did not again visit this mansion until after the close 
of the War. 

Another historical person of eminence identified with this house 
during Washington's occupancy was Alexander Hamilton, who, on 
March 14, 1776, at the instance of Colonel McDougall, was appointed 
Captain of a Company of Provincial Artillery, and received his first 
baptism of fire in the Battle of Long Island, and afterwards in the 
attack on Harlem Heights. This company of artillery, like the brig- 
ade commanded by General Knox, was, by one of those strange 
fates of war, left in the city, whilst the main army had retreated to 
Harlem, before the advancing British troops which had landed upon 
Manhattan Island some distance to the north. Major Aaron Burr, 
afterwards Lieut.-Col. and Colonel, while reconnoitering, discovered 
this brigade in an old sod-fort, nearly on a line with what is now 
Grand Street; and, realizing to stay there meant capture, if not death, 
immediately called for the commander and suggested a retreat ; but 
General Knox, believing the British in command of the Island, 
scouted the idea as madness. Burr, however, by his persistent 
earnestness and eloquence, and assuring General Knox and his 
officers that he knew the roads, soon persuaded them to yield to his 
entreaties; and on the 15th of September, Burr, with gallant bravery, 
led these rear detachments safely to the main army camp on Harlem 
Heights, where they were enthusiastically welcomed by the troops 
who had given them up as lost. Burr's extraordinary efforts during 
this march, in conducting so skillfully and safely this disheartened 
body of men, saved the entire retreating corps. 

During Washington's occupancy of this house, he used the Morris 
library as his Council Chamber, where he received his generals and 
officers, and others friendly to the cause. He also received here 
"two Indian Braves of the Six Nations," who entered the Council 
Chamber bearing laurel branches in token of their fealty. Aaron 
Burr, then an aide on Putnam's staff, appointed June 22, 1776, was 
writing a letter for General Washington when the Indians entered the 
room. It is said^that the Indians entered this houseat the side door, 

XI 



just at the left of the Council Chamber, and that some of the same 
stones over which they walked, still mark the pathway. 

According to the best traditions connected with this house, the 
south-east room on the second floor was temporarily Washington's 
bedroom. He afterward changed to the north chamber, which also 
became his private office, where it is probable military secretaries 
worked under his direction. Opening off from this part of the house on 
the west is a small balcony used by Washington as a sentry-box; and 
from a corresponding balcony on the east, since removed, he viewed 
the army situations on the north and east. From the large balcony 
over the front door, it was possible, with the aid of a field-glass, for the 
Commander-in-chief to survey the very wide area stretched out before 
him on the south and west, so that this Mansion, with its command- 
ing situation, proved of great advantage to Washington at this 
critical time. 



IRovcmber 16, 1776— November 25, 1783 

["ENERAL Lord Percy, having with him Admiral Lord Howe as his 
guest, took possession of this house during the engagementthat 
resulted in the capture of Fort Washington on November i6, 1776. 

During the summer of 1777, it was occupied as Headquarters by 
General Sir Henry Clinton, whose sojourn here was of brilliant 
importance. 

In 1778 the house was assigned as Headquarters to Baron Wilhelm 
von Knyphausen, the Hessian general, who occupied it with his 
German staff two months and eighteen days. Von Knyphausen, in 
command of his troops, may have been here on November i6th, 
1776; but if so, did not long remain, as on November 22nd General 
Howe summoned him to command Fordham Heights. 

In June, 1781, another Hessian, General von Losberg,was quartered 
in the house, and also, at the same time, Lieutenant-Colonel von Hinte, 
the commandant of the fort. It is probable that the house was British 
or Hessian Headquarters from its capture on November 16, 1776, until 
the evacuation of New York on November 25, 1783, a period of 
seven years. -j^j^ 



%fjt Cransftton ^eriolr 

1783— X8X0 

JCOR twenty-eight years after the evacuation of New York, until the 
Jl purchase of the property by Stephen Jumel, the house passed 
throug^h various hands. In 1784 it was sold bv the Commission of 
Forfeiture, and for about a year was the residence of Dr. Isaac Ledyard, 
In 1785 it became a public tavern known as Calumet Hall, and was 
the first stopping place on stage route, between New York and Boston. 
In 1790 it was a farm house, to which Washington, then president, 
came from New York on the loth of July with a party of his cabinet 
officers and ladies, whom he entertained at dinner. In his diary of 
that date, he says: " Having formed a party consisting of the Vice- 
President, his lady, son, and Miss Smith, the Secretaries of State, 
Treasury, and War, and the ladies of the two latter, with all the gen- 
tlemen of my family, Mrs. Lear and the two children, we visited the 
old position of Fort Washington, and afterward dined on a dinner 
provided by a Mr, Mariner at the house, lately Colonel Roger Morris', 
but confiscated, and in the occupation of a common farmer." 

The Vice-President was John Adams, and the Secretaries were 
Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary 
of the Treasury, and Henry Knox, Secretary of War. 

In 1794 Col. Roger Morris died in England. The British Govern- 
ment had paid rent to him for the house while it was British 
Headquarters. His widow, Mary Morris, showed so good a title to 
the property, claiming it by pre-nuptial agreement, that John Jacob 
Astor bought her claim against the United States for a very large 
sum. 

Mrs. Morris died in London, July 18, 1825, at the advanced age 
of 96 years. 

Fitz-Greene Halleck, the poet, visited this house in 1827, and here 
wrote his celebrated poem "Marco Bozzaris." Subsequently he be- 
came secretary to John Jacob Astor. 

In 1799 the house was owned by William Kenyon, a merchant of 
the city, who sold it to Leonard Parkinson, of Kinnersley Castle, in 
the country of Hereford, England, who, according to New York 
records, was also a merchant of Jamaica, West Indies, 



XIII 



Cije 3fumel Sertoli 

1810—1888 

^N the 9th day of March, 1810, Stephen Jumel, a French merchant 
doing business in New York, bought from Leonard Parkinson 
aforesaid, the Mansion and 36 acres of land for the sum of $9,927.50. 
Six years before, in 1804, Stephen Jumel had married Eliza Bowen, 
and the new purchase was to be the country home of the Jumels. 

The Mansion was in a dilapidated condition after its many changes 
of ownership, and Monsieur Jumel, with all the enthusiasm of a com- 
patriot of Lafayette, set about the task of restoring the house that 
had been occupied by Washington as his Headquarters to its original 
condition. 

The windows were broken, and, as stained glass was not made in 
America, Monsieur Jumel sent fragments of the small circles that 
enrich the front doorways, to France, where the original designs were 
reproduced and the glass restored as we see it to-day. The old 
colonial gates and gate-houses of the Morris period were also faith- 
fully reproduced. 

In the Council Chamber, the old wall paper was tattered and torn. 
Here Monsieur Jumel secured a sample, from which he had the original 
paper reproduced in Paris, and printed from wood blocks. The cost 
at that early period was $15.00 a roll, and the specimens of the old 
pattern, now under glass in the Guard Room, are pieces of the paper 
put on the walls of the Council Chamber by Monsieur Jumel in 1810. 

The work of Monsieur Jumel in restoring the Mansion to its con- 
dition during the Washington period was not only a work of love 
and loyalty, but a work executed in admirable good taste. 

To Monsieur and Madame Jumel, we owe most of the knowledge 
we possess of the original house, and probably, to their care, the 
existence of the house itself. 

Stephen Jumel went to France in his own ship, the Eliza, in 18 15, 
for the purpose of bringing Napoleon Bonaparte to America. Although 
his offer was declined, this generosity secured for him the friendship of 
the Bonaparte family. 

Before his departure for St. Helena, Napoleon Bonaparte gave 
numerous presents to Stephen Jumel, which are still preserved as 
family heirlooms. The Emperor gave his travelling carriage to the 

XIV 



Jumels, but this was seized at the barrier as they were leaving Paris, 
and Monsieur and Madame Jumel were held for six hours in the Con- 
ciergerie as prisoners, until they were released through the intercession 
of the American minister. They had also many pieces of furniture 
and paintings belonging to the Empress Josephine ; a set of drawing- 
room furniture once the property of Charles X ; an old chandelier, 
the property of Moreau ; and relics which had belonged to various 
Kings of France, Louis Napoleon, and very many other distinguished 
people. The chandelier, now in the Council Chamber, is like the one 
at Fontainebleau. 

The African cypress trees, twenty of which were standing, 1909, in 
a semi-circle about what remained of the old fish pond at the corner of 
159th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, were presented by the Khedive 
of Egypt to Napoleon in the last days of 18 14, when his dynasty was 
closing. The roots of each little tree were surrounded with native 
earth, encased in canvas bags. In this condition the trees, some 400 
in number, lay neglected on the ground in one of the gardens of 
the Tuileries for several months, when they were secured by Stephen 
Jumel, who sent them to this country and had them planted here. 

Stephen Jumel died in May, 1832, as the result of a carriage 
accident. 

In 1824 Lafayette was entertained in this house by the Jumels. 
He slept in the north-west chamber, which was thereafter called the 
Lafayette Room. 

Louis Napoleon was a guest in this house in 1837. When he went 
to France to head the events that finally placed him on the throne, 
he was supplied with money advanced by Madame Jumel. 

Joseph Bonaparte was also entertained here as a guest in 1819 
and 1820. Arriving in the absence of his hostess, his first meal in 
the house was a dinner of pork and cabbage served by the cook in 
the south-west basement kitchen, designated in Colonial days as the 
slaves kitchen. It was during his visit that the entrance to the 
Council Chamber was enlarged and supplied with folding doors in 
place of the original door of ordinary width. Prince Jerome Bona- 
parte, and the Prince de Joinville were also guests of Madame Jumel. 

It has been frequently stated that Madame Jumel entertained here 
Louis Philippe, the Citizen King of France, and the great Talleyrand; 
but proof is, that the visits of these distinguished men to this house 
ante-dated her time ; for Louis Philippe, during his twenty-one years of 

XV 



exile, was in America only from 1796 to 1800; and Talleyrand, in his 
Memoirs, refers to his visits in New York, as having been during the 
winters of 1794 and 1795. He says, "I availed myself of the op- 
portunity thus offered, to meet the chief personages connected with 
the American Revolution, especially General Alexander Hamilton, 
whose mind, character and ability, places Hamilton on a par with the 
most distinguished Statesmen of Europe". It was doubtless at this 
time that Talleyrand visited this historic Mansion. 

Enoch Crosby, the original of Harvey Birch, in J. Fenimore 
Cooper's Novel "The Spy" — written in 1821 — spent a night in this 
house. J. Fenimore Cooper was appointed United States Consul to 
Lyons, France, in 1826. 

In 1 79 1 Madame Jumel saw the assembling of Congress, and in 
1793 she saw the second inauguration of Washington. In 1824 she 
was in France, and that year attended the Coronation ball of 
Charles X. 

One of the last distinguished persons to sit at her table in the old 
dining room was General William Tecumseh Sherman, of the Civil 
War. 

Madame Jumel, with her sumptuous tastes and wealth, entertained 
lavishly. A person who was present at one of her receptions says 
that at that time, all around the base-board of the Council Chamber 
were small foot-high mirrors which reflected the graceful sweep of 
the ladies' gowns; and that Madame Jumel on state occasions received 
her friends seated on a dais in the room. She was also in those 
days a very conspicuous figure on the Bloomingdale Road with her 
Colonial yellow coach and postillions. 

On July 1st, 1833, Madame Jumel was married to Aaron Burr, by 
the Rev, David Bogart. The ceremony took place in the tea room, 
which is at the left of the entrance to the Mansion. Rev. Bogart was 
the same clergyman who had performed the wedding ceremony for 
Burr and his first wife, Theodosia Bartow, widow Provost, just fifty- 
one years before, lacking one day. 

Madame Jumel died on Sunday morning, i6th July, 1865, and her 
funeral took place from this house on the i8th. During the morning 
the remains were exposed to view in the Council Chamber, and short- 
ly after one o'clock were removed to the Church of the Intercession, 
1 58th Street and Broadway. She is buried in Trinity Cemetery, 1 54th 
Street and Broadway. Madame Jumel was born in Providence, R. I., 

XVI 



April 2, 1777, daughter of John and Phoebe (Kelly) Bowen. 
At the time of her marriage to Aaron Burr, she was fifty-six years 
of age, and at her death aged eighty-eight. 

Aaron Burr was the third Vice-President of the United States, 
from 1 80 1 to 1805. 

Nelson Chase, who studied law in the office of Aaron Burr, married 
Mary Bownes, a niece of Madame Jumel, in 1832, and they made 
their home in this Mansion. 

Nelson Chase was an eminent practitioner at the New York bar, 
and a man of literary tastes. He entertained here James Parton, 
Nathaniel P. Willis, George Bancroft, Benson J. Lossing, and many 
other literary lights of his time. Charles O'Conor, for many years 
the leader of the New York bar, who was a frequent visitor, said of 
Mr. Chase that he was the best read man in the United States. 

Mrs. Julius Henry Caryl, the only daughter of Nelson Chase, was 
born in this house, and lived here until the house was sold, for 
$100,000, in 1887. 

The Jumel Period properly ended with 1888, approaching a century 
in duration. 

Mrs. Caryl, who lives at Caryl, N.Y., has the most complete knowl- 
edge of the history of this Mansion of any one now living. Her 
recollections of the rooms in the old house are of inestimable value. 
It is stated by Mrs. Caryl that the entrance hall was originally wains- 
coted like the rooms on the main floor, but that, about 1820, during 
the long absence of the Jumels in Paris, the wainscot was removed. 
It is also stated by her that the walls of the dining room were a dark 
green, about the color of a lily leaf, and finished at the top with a 
band of gold, three fingers wide. 

Mrs. Ferdinand P. Earle, wife of Brigadier-General Earle, Com- 
missary-General on the Staffs of Governors Hill and Flower, and a 
member of the Empire State Society, S. A, R., was the last individual 
owner of this Mansion, which was purchased by the City of New 
York from Mrs. Earle in May, 1903, for $235,000, through the inter- 
cession of the Washington Headquarters Association, New York, 
Founded by Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Mrs. Earle organized the Washington Heights Chapter in this house, 
February 18, 1897. 

The tablet and bas-relief bronze of Washington on the east side of 
the front entrance, was placed by the Washington Heights Chapter, 
June 2, 1900. ^^,jj 



Notes— Historians differ as to the exact movements of Washington on November i6, 1776. I<ossing 
says in his "I/ife of Washington " that Washington followed Green and Putnam from Fort I^ee, in a 
small boat, intending to go to the aid of Magaw, at Fort Washington, but was dissuaded from his pur- 
pose, by the reports of Generals Green and Putnam who intercepted him en route. Other writers 
aver that he was, on that date, in this house within fifteen minutes of its occupancy by the enemy, i 

I<ossing says the scheme for a Spy was arranged at the Robert Murray House where Washing- 
ton spent the night of September 14; and another authority states that Colonel Knowlton, to whom 
Washington gave the commission to procure someone to act as a Spy, convened his oflScers in the 
Apthorpe house, and Hale, who was present accepted. Isaac William Stewart and other authorities 
state positively that Hale after accepting the duty, presented himself to Washington, and left Camp 
Harlem Heights equipped with general orders from him. 

I^ossing also states that Major Aaron Burr, knowing the roads, led the Main Army under Gen- 
eral Putnam safely from the city along the west side to Harlem Heights; other writers mention 
particularly the rear detachments of the Army, which he saved from total destruction by conduct- 
ing them safely to the Main Army, which had retreated. 

Land Deeds, N. Y. Register's Office, and Riker's Revised History of Harlem 
Chain of title with expiatory notes from 1763 to 1828 furnished by the Title 

Guarantee and Trust Company, New York City. 
The New York Gazette or the Weekly Post-Boy, May, 1765. 
New York Historical Society Collections. 

Josiah C. Pumpelly, New York Gen. and Bio. Record, April, 1903. 
Reginald Pelham Bolton, New York Scenic and Historic Society. 
Mine's Historic Notes and other Historians give date of house as 1758, which 

is an error. 
Burke's Landed Gentry, for Roger Morris' Parentage. 
Benson Lossing's " 1776 to 1S47." 
Carrington's Battles of American Revolution. 

H. P. Johnston's Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn. 
Life of Aaron Burr, by Samuel L. Kuapp, published 1835; by James Parton, 

1858; by H. C. Merwin (Beacon Biographies) 1899, ^"d by Charles 

Burr Todd also Jenkinson's "Life of Burr" pp. 19 — 20. 
War Record of Aaron Burr in War Department at Washington. D. C. 
Walton's American Army and Navy. 

Heitman's Historical Records of Officers of the Continental Army, 1775-1783 
Washington's Official Family, Emmett Collection, N. Y. Public Library. 
Martha J. Lamb's History of New York. 

Isaac William Stewart's Life of Nathan Hale, published in 1856. 
Ross' History of Long Island. 

General Hull's Memoirs of Nathan Hale. 

"British Guard Orderly Book." New York Historical Soc'y. 

Edward Hagaman Hall (Scenic Society), for information concerning trial 

and execution of Nathan Hale — private letter. ^ 

Graydon's "Memories of a Life," Pub. 1822, in Edinburgh, Scotland; for 

statement of Washington's return to Morris House, Nov. 16, 1776. 
New York Times published July 19, 1865. 
Louis Philippe — History of France, by Rev. Dr. E. Cobham Brewer, London, 

1893- 
Memoirs of Talleyrand — edited by the Due de Broglie of the French Acad- 
emy. Vol. I pp. 181-182. 
General George Clinton's letter, dated Sept. 18, 1776, giving details as to 

movements ot the armies and Battle of Harlem Heights, from Sept. 

I2th to Sept. 17th. See American Archives, 5th Series, Washington, 

D. C, and Hart's "American History told by Contemporaries," vol. 

II, PP- 554—555- 
General Nathaniel Greene's letter to Governor Cooke of Rhode Island, dated 

Harlem Heights, Sept. 17th, 1776. See Thomas Jones' History of New 

York during Revolutionary Times, pp. 604 — 605. 

XVIII 



John Fiske's History of the Revolution on the surrender of Fort Washington, 
vol. I. pp. 220 &c., also Lossing's I,ife of Washington, pp. 329-330. 

tor positions ot armies upon Manhattan Island, East River, North River 
and the Bay, see map in I^ossing's "Life of Washington." 

For British Period, see General Howe's order book; the diaries of his Adit. 
General; and of Colonel Montresor. 

John Marshall's "Life of Washington." 

The Robert Murray house located on Park Avenue, between 36th and 37th 
Streets was destroyed by fire in 1835 — Wilson's Memorial History of 
New York, Vol's II. & III. pp. 517 & 299. Historic New York Vol. 

I. p. 317. 

Famous "Ratzer Map" & Randall's Survey. Research of Edward 
Hagaman Hall, Sec'y N. Y. Scenic & Historic Society. 

For Washington's Movements, dispatches and letters, Aug. 1776 to 
Nov. 16, 1776, see Force's Archives Vol. II. 5 Series. 

Apthorpe house, built 1764 — approach to it between 93rd and 94tii Streets 
near Columbus Ave. It was torn down in 1888, and St. Agnes Chapel 
now (1908) occupies its site — Hopper Stryker Mott's "New York of 
Yesterday," pages 15 and 16. 

James John Audubon the naturalist, laid out Audubon Park, bounded by 
Broadway, Riverside Drive, W^est 155th and 158th Streets. Here he 
built his residence in the early part of 1800. Property sold to a 
syndicate Nov. 21st, 1908. — A^cw York Tinics^ Nov. 22nd, 1908. 

Statements of Nelson Chase, and recollections of his daughter, Mrs. Julius 
H. Caryl. 

Mrs. Edwin R. Fay — Notes on Enoch Crosby, Madame Jumel's Colonial 
Coach and Fish-pond. 

Notes of William Henry Shelton, Curator, Washington Headquarters, 1908. 



XIX 



i^^l.tAV/ 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



MAY 20 1910 

LIBRfiRY OF CONGRESS 

014 108 928 6 § 




Washington's Headquarters on Harlem Heights may be 
reached by the Broadway Subway to 157th Street and 
by the Amsterdam Avenue surface cars. ^ ^ ^ 



ceoRoe HARjes co. 

3S Ok 37 WEST 319T ST. 
NEW YORK 



